Not that anyone is going to miss Joe RobbiePro PlayerDolphinDolphinsLand Shark Sun Life Stadium, but the Nationals REALLY won't miss that place, which hosts its final three baseball games this week.

The Nationals have gone an abysmal 16-35 at the home of the Marlins since 2006, not to mention sat through countless rain delays, battled shoddy field conditions and played in front of literally dozens of fans at times.

But the Nats arrive in Miami for this final series riding the wave of their late-season surge. They've won 12 of 15 and still can finish with their first-ever winning record if they sweep these three games. Tommy Milone takes the mound for his fifth big-league start (the Nats have won all of his previous four). He'll be opposed by right-hander Anibal Sanchez.

Much as I wish I could be there, it just wasn't possible to travel with our newborn son. Enjoy the game and the conversation as always…

Anibal Sanchez, RHPStats 8-9, 3.67 ERA Last 3 starts Last 10 years vs. WSH Last 5 years vs. WSH hittersSanchez lost his last start against the Braves after allowing a three-run second inning. He went just five frames and threw 83 pitches. He is 8 2/3 innings shy of his first 200-inning season. Sanchez is tied for seventh in the NL with 191 strikeouts.

Tuesday: 7:10 LannEn vs. VasquezJavier Vazquez, RHPStats 12-11, 3.77 ERA Last 3 starts Last 10 years vs. WSH Last 5 years vs. WSH hittersVazquez has pitched 25 consecutive scoreless innings, setting the franchise record for a starter. Over his past 11 games, he has gone 6-2 with a 1.54 ERA, which ranks third in the Majors. He pitched a complete-game shutout last time against the Nats.

Wednesday NOTE 4:10 PM STARTStrasburg vs. Chris Volstad, RHPStats 5-12, 4.96 ERA Last 3 starts Last 10 years vs. WSH Last 5 years vs. WSH hittersVolstad, a South Florida native, will make the final start of the season and the last game for the team as the Florida Marlins at Sun Life Stadium. At home, he's 3-7 (5.04 ERA). He had a strong seven-inning start vs. Milwaukee in his last start.

Beast Morse going for 30 HRs and getting closer to .310 would be Greattttt. Desi, Espi and Ramos all getting a bunch of hits to finish on a high note and Strasburg dominating on Wednesday would be huge.If the Nats win one game, 3rd place will be secured for the first time in Nats history. If the Nats sweep them for 3 games, a 81-80 finish.A lot of baseball to step up to new levels.

Mark'd said: "If the Nats win one game, 3rd place will be secured for the first time in Nats history."Really? This is good news. I thought the magic number was 3 for 3rd place. Well, then. Let's put this baby to bed tonight guys. Getting 3 wins in that haunted house is a steep slope, but we can do it one step at a time. Tonight is for respectability. Go Nats!!

Tcostant: The funny/sad thing about Gomes' prediction is that the truer it is, the less room there is for Gomes on the team. We can't afford to have Mendoza-level hitters, unless they have a specific role. I don't see how Gomes offers anything for next year. Too bad. I like the guy, not to mention that he has the coolest haircut on the team.

Someone might have posted this in another topic, but lookingat next year's schedule, I just realized all 3 home series with the Fish are on weekends. I believe that's even rarer than this season's 14 home weekend series.

I believe neither Cora nor Bixler should be re-signed, but of Ankiel, Nix and Gomes, if the Nats want to potentially make a drive for the Wild Card, they can only afford (production-wise) to keep one of these low OBP guys.

I like the Gomes too, and by all accounts his teammates friggin love him, but then, I like a lot of people, and they liked Willingham, too. But how is a part-time guy hitting thirty points below his lifetime .243 average get to be a Type B? Especially in the outfield?

I saw the Nats lose to the Marlins at Dolphins Stadium in April 2009 – the highlight of the game was the 1st inning 55-foot curveball from Daniel Cabrera that struck the home plate umpire in the hand and caused a 5-minute injury delay. Good times.Of course, my daughter and I got tickets next to the 3rd base dugout and 3 rows from the field for $20 apiece FACE VALUE. So there's that.

I pretty much agree with you, NCog, but Ankiel and Bixler have value as defensive substitutions(particularly Ankiel). If the outfield is not "fixed" in the off-season, I can easily see keeping Ankiel as a late-inning defensive insertion who is not a complete loss at the plate. Cora's value is mainly his ability to play a lot of positions. That might be too much of a luxury going forward, but it is something to consider.

N. Cognito said… I believe neither Cora nor Bixler should be re-signed, but of Ankiel, Nix and Gomes, if the Nats want to potentially make a drive for the Wild Card, they can only afford (production-wise) to keep one of these low OBP guys. ________I think Bixler is under team control and I also believe he has options left, but otherwise, I think it's probably right that maybe only one of these folks is back (toss Hairston in the mix, mabye and let two come back). I'd lean toward Ankiel for the defense he can provide. His offensive numbers are what they are, but he has power and his numbers are certainly comparable to the others under consideration.

I know it's a tad early to revisit pre-season predictions, but here was mine:=========A DC Wonk said… "MLB Network predicts 71" Oooh, oooh, oooh, can I take the "over" on that?! But, more seriously, are they paying attention at all? All indication are that the team is obviously better this year. I'm guessing 80-82 March 26, 2011 9:09 PM A DC Wonk said… (I didn't mean a record of 80-82, I meant: somewhere around 80 to 82 wins) March 26, 2011 9:11 PM A number of Anons, JayB, etc., thought I (and others picking numbers like that) were drinking kool-ade, etc., to pick a number that high.

jd-You're probably right about the first two games, but there will probably be a decent-sized crowd there for the final game of the series. It's a Strasburg start, but more importantly it's the final game ever at that stadium. Sure, it's a dump, but they still created a lot of memories for a lot of fans there. The Nats drew over 40,000 for the final game at our own converted football stadium.Sec 3, my Sofa:By walking a lot and hitting a home run every 20 ABs?

Has anyone here ever looked into team's benches? Are the teams that are expected to compete for the playoffs more able to attract and sign the quality bench players?I do know, the Nats won't compete for the Wild Card with a pinch hitter slash of .179/,286/.224 (201 ABs) like they have this year.

Not too soon to be thinking about spring training. Does anyone have any info on the projected move from Viera? Probably won't happen next year, but there was talk of a move to AZ (god forbid!) or Kissimmee. The latter would be nice–co-locate with the Astros, not far from Atlanta & Tiger complexes, and closer to the cluster in the Tampa area. I went to a couple there last year and there seems to be plenty of room for more minor league fields, etc.Viera is nice, but it's not real close to anything, which is why they played the Astros more than anyone last year, as they were the closest.

Grandstander — I need to be refreshed on the rules. Is the following correct: the only way the Nats get a free draft choice is: (a) we would have to offer Gomes arbitration, and (b) he'd have to turn it down?

N.Cognito, You are right. We have to find a couple of players like Greg Dobbs and/or Reed Johnson. I think Rizzo was fishing for such players when he signed Nix, Ankiel and Stairs but in the end they and Gomes are all low OBP hitters so he needs to start from scratch.

One win does get us to 79 wins, whiich is 10 more than last year. 3 is the magic number, I think it can be a combination of our wins and Mets (who are playing the Reds at Citifield) losses, and gets us to 3rd place. 3 wins gets us to a winning season.

@ Anon 5:05Do you get offended at Flippin' Pizza as well? Not the taste of the product, but the name?"Friggin" is something Ned Flanders would say when angry. It's a replacement for its offensive cousin.

Here's how the math looks to me.We are currently at 78-80. If we only win one game in Florida, we finish at 79-82.The Mutts are 76-83. If they sweep, they finish 79-83. As poor a math student as I am, that sounds like we end up with the better record (same number of wins, with fewer losses). Therefore, we get 3rd place by a hair. So, the magic number is 1. Excellent. Now, let's get there tonight.

Grandstander, the word is not merely a euphemism for that "other" word. It is a substitute that describes, well, a substitute act. I am not a prude, but it really does not belong in polite conversation.

However, the word in question is a milder form of a word often shouted by Phillies fans, especially after they have had a beer or two. Sec 3, My Sofa said… "Yo, Adrian"? No, I've got it: "BRANES!!"OK, I'm nominating myself for POD. That's one of my best ever.

Record vs. teams at least 10 games over .500 = 29-27 (33-30 if the Giants win 2 of 3 their final series)Record vs. teams at least 10 games under .500 = 23-27A lot of that has to do with our 5-10 record against the Fish. It can't be overstated how much we need to start winning against weaker teams to even have a shot at contending. It's been a problem for several years now.Even though 3 games against the reeling Fish to close out the season seems anti-climatic, they in many ways, represent the last hurdle this organization faces.

With Lombardozzi AND Anthony Rendonwho may just be a better hitter than Trout AND possibly more valuable defensivelyPlus the speedy and reasonably impressiveBixler?Someone is nuts nuts nuts to even thinkHairston would be back … mebbe it's Riggleman?One thing is dead certain unlike RigglemanJohnson has no problem with giving theyounger prospects roles on his club and seeing how they do. Put it this way Rizzotalks about going and getting an Upton, Morgan high OBP OF. Johnson likeswhat he has to work with internally. I am betting on Davey sticking with theprogram which is the right move … Rizzoshould continue his pursuit of a top acejust like last year and that's it.

I think we are going to do it. I really do. Like I am a member of the team. Forget just 1 win to clinch 3rd, I am pulling for the sweep to finish with a winning record for the first time since 1874, or something like that.

Hairston did a good job for us but he took three airplanes because he couldn't get out of here fast enough. So maybe not the best choice for a return visit to the Nats' bench. How many positions can Lombo play?

While we are stuck in this rain delay.. a few delayed thoughts from me (my computer at work crashed so I coulnd't post earlier today – work interfering with NI once again).MPHRod… Okay.. he makes me nervous and I want to vomit everytime he comes into the game -Drew8 and I share this same feeling. At the game yesterday, when I saw he was coming in, All I kept thinking -was please be Good Henry.. we got Great Henry, so that was nice. If he can keep his control, then he is a good piece to have. I am intrigued by the suggestion that we convert him to a starter. That might be good at some point, but since I vomit when he comes into the game – I will let others debate/decide that one

Incredible – The so-called 'flagship' radio station for the Nationals (106.7fm) is picking up the game in-progress so they can broadcast a NFL pregame w/ LaVar & Dukes from a local sports bar! If Leonsis can get an exclusive coverage radio deal with them for the Capitals & Wizards, why can't he do the same for the Nationals (he is a minority owner, fwiw).

Second delayed thought…Teddy.. Yes the schtick is old and yes they should let him win. I know that the races annoy some, but as stated, they are not for us.. They are for the under 13 crowd. And what better way to build a future fan base than by keeping the kiddies mildly entertained with Giant President's and Screech (who is also annoying)..The Dad on the last thread had it right when the Presidents Run his daughter gets all excited because she gets ice cream (nice bribe)…Guess what, that at least means she is watching the game and in the future, when she is at the game say as an adult with some disposable income, she might pass the tradition down to her kids, and thus we build a bigger Nats Town and we won't have to worry about invasions from some other fan base.I think that's it for now.. back to your regular programming (the rain delay)

Michele — great to connect a face and a voice with a name of real/imaginary friend yesterday. Sorry I couldn't make it back to chat but had our 10 year old and her best friend in tow….With the possibility of MPHRod becoming a solid reliever coming into focus, and the starters' pipeline we have at ALL levels of the farms, I can't understand what the point is of speculating on rolling the dice at converting him into a starter???? I know you're not the one suggesting — I'm just mystified is all, unless it's all in the category of "and a pony" fantasyland.

I've got the Red Sox on while waiting for the rain to go away, and it's comforting to know that the Nats aren't the only team to get away-home games. Hope we get to play tonight! (for that matter, I hope I don't miss the beginning of the game by forgetting to check back on the other channel)

Eugene, no word on when it will start per Nationals Watch over on the Times site or per Goessling's MASN blog (last time I checked either). Both are linked to at left but I think the RSS feed – or whatever the high-tech types call it – may be a post or two behind.

MicheleS: One thing to keep in consideration – MPHRod is a 24 y.o. International signing (from Venezuela). He's been absorbing a lot of changes over the last few years (Language, culture, different teams/Coaches, etc) while trying to grasp & control his apparent pitching talent. Yes, we've seen the good Henry / bad Henry acts this year, but we've seen the same from most of the bullpen from time to time as well. I don't want to sound like an apologist, but he's clearly a player who needed the right situation to thrive in. Perhaps he's found that here in DC with three catchers who are all fluent in spanish. Just try to enjoy the roller-coaster for what it is, and hope he levels out a little as he gains experience.

Let's go, Reds. Clap-clap-clap! That reminds me, I was out-of-town scoreboard watching at yesterday's game and saw that the Phillies were up a few runs on the Mets. My husband was aghast when I broke into a short "let's go, Phillies" chant" – preceded by a situational disclaimer, of course.

Sec3, SofaKing – If today at 5:29 was one of your best, then I trust you and I second the nomination of pod. However, I don't get it.And please don't explain it to me, that would just make me even more pathetic.N Cog, I seem to remember you picking 161.1 for the JZinn innings limit as well.

Steady Eddie… I think the reason for everyone speculating on a move for MPHRod to start is because he has 3+ pitches and throws 100 MPH.. Ideal for the bullpen, but also a possibilty for a starter – if he can keep the control.BinM.. agree on all the changes he is going through. That is probably a big factor. Isn't Ramos from Venezuela – too? That has to help. Remember when Mama Ramos showed up and started feeding her Buffalo/RaMOOSE some home cooking, he seemed to take off after that!You never know what goes on down there as far as the Visa situation and if he gets to see/talk to family. Any NI people work for the government that could grease the wheels to get him back into the country before spring training starts?

1a: Your husband should be aghast at your momentary lapse of reason in rooting for the Philthies. Since we're in 'crossover' season between baseball & hockey, go immediately to the penalty box, serve time, feel shame.

Our bullpen was dominant. Detwiler had a couple of chancy innings, the kind where if it happened to us we would be bashing our heads in (bases loaded, he walks the pitcher, and NO RUNS SCORE). We say, "he escaped a jam." They say, "How could those bums not get anybody in?"

And this just in.. we have a TV Star among us (although she hasn't posted yet tonight)JaneB.. You and "Thank You" Sign made it onto the post game show last night. I bet it's on Wednesday's Post Game show as well!

MicheleS: As to the coaching staff, I'd like to see Jewett move back to the Minors (I think he's a good motivator / teacher), and possibly send Corrales back upstairs to the front office. Keep the rest of the staff (McCatty, Eckstein, Porter, Lett) & find new 1B & bench coaches. I'll catch a lot of flak for my opinion on Eckstein, but sobeit.

BinM.. some behind the curtain stuff came out recently (I think via Boz). Eck was Davey's man all the way, and apparantly the previous manager didn't communicate well with Eck or there were a lot of conflicting opinion.I think the guys like/respect Eck and also use DJ as a sounding board too..

BinM…Quote from Boz's article..“There’s a clear parallel between Davey working with Desmond and Ramos and their improved hitting in the second half,” General Manager Mike Rizzo said. “When Werth was at his low point, he went to Davey for some dialogue. We’ve gotten coordination between the hitting coach and the manager.” I have to see Moneyball to get insight into the GM/Manager relationship

Nice home crowd for Marerro–there's a young lady with a sign that reads "Marerro has more fans than the Marlins!!"Phil the phriggies phans, let's start invading Miami next year.or maybe not–the captcha was "dinstop"

I remember Roger Craig telling a story about pitching in the last game at the Polo Grounds with the Mets. He gave up several hard line drive home runs, and Casey Stengal came out to the mound and said, "Son, they're going to tear this ballpark down after today. You don't need to help them start."

Easy to overlook, but that was a nice manufactured run to tie the game off Sanchez, who always has been tough on the Nats (among others). Desmond reaches on an error that may have been a bad hop, steals second, gets balked to third, and Ankiel grounds out to first to get him in. Take what they give you, which this team hasn't always done, especially against the Marlins.

OK, that was funny. FP talking about how smooth Milone works, pitches, bunts … everything he does is smooth.Carpenter says, yeah, I saw him walking up the stairs, it looked like he was on an escalator.FP: Smooth?Bob: That's what I'm sayin.

I'm on travel and the only games the hotel gets are Yankees-Rays and Red Sox-Orioles. I'm not sure what this is, but it ain't baseball….Ellsbury just caught an Andino drive to deep centerfield but lost the ball when he ran pretty much full speed into the wall, turning the 3rd out into a 3-run inside the park home run. But, on a positive note, he did not throw his glove down in a temper tantrum while the ball rolled away…. Sox losing 6-2, and the Rays are up 4-2. Could be a tie in the AL wildcard in a few hours.

I'm still less than convinced that getting a new, downtown, baseball only stadium is going to increase attendance significantly. It's more like Loria finally found a political body that he could intimidate enough to get a freebie stadium out of. I could be proved wrong, but to the citizens of Dade County / City of Miami, I think you've been taken to the cleaners.

BinM, totally agree. They have no history of supporting a team, and aside from the novelty factor, they don't have any reason to do so. There is plenty else to do in Miami. If they somehow manage to win a few games next year, maybe, but they don't look poised to do that.

Todd Coffey – Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaAs a result, the Brewers introduced a "Coffey Time!" graphic on the scoreboard that kept track of Coffey's time to sprint from the bullpen … en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Todd_Coffey – Options

What a shot by Morse!! Hard to believe they pitched to him with first base open. That's not the first time an opposing team has made that mistake. Beast mode is right!Did anyone hear Carpenter say that he and Ted Jr. were saying the other day that the fans who buy tickets at Nats Park actually show up, i.e., the paid attendance is the same as the turnstile attendance, unlike in Miami? Is that just an obvious kiss-up to management as he tries to keep his job, or has he been smoking something?

Mark'd said… Beast Morse going for 30 HRs and getting closer to .310 would be Greattttt. Desi, Espi and Ramos all getting a bunch of hits to finish on a high note and Strasburg dominating on Wednesday would be huge.If the Nats win one game, 3rd place will be secured for the first time in Nats history. If the Nats sweep them for 3 games, a 81-80 finish.A lot of baseball to step up to new levels. September 26, 2011 3:59 PM _______________________________Good call on Beast Moose!!!!!!! and 3rd Place!!!

You know, I pretty much just watch the Nats, and usually on a tape delay. But with so much going on tonight, I've got the TV, I've got MLBTV on the computer, I had the Orioles' radio feed earlier. About the only thing I didn't do was follow along here, with my imaginary friends. Totally ODing on live baseball tonight, and I love it.

I like Scooter very much, too. And all my imaginary friends.Man, I'm gonna miss this. When we didn't have a team, I could root for a bunch of people in the playoffs. I'll watch, but I will really really miss that our guys aren't in it. THIS YEAR, at least!Two more.

So who gets the win? Stammen for going one and 2/3 innings? But he gave up the tying run on a WP. Only MPHRod and Severino pitched a full inning after that, right? Tough call for the official scorer. Can they give the win to Morse??

As much as I am going to miss this – I really need to sleep and these guys just are so exciting to watch. The alarm will go off in a few hours and here I am basking in the rosy glow of a come-from-behind win against the Marlins – MM's 30th, and I just don't care. I will sleep when the season is over. I love these guys!!

1. Redskins choke2. Nats come back for the big win3. Ozzie hopefully goes to Florida. They deserve that over-rated blowhard a**clown.4. Bo Porter stays with the Nationals, hopefully to take the manager's job when DJ is done.

Just when I think she can't ask a more stupid question, she does. Shheesh! We need a Debbie Taylor replacement. Who teaches people to frame conclusions as questions? Why not just ask a real question?Someone is overtird and cranky, in spite of the win. Going to bed now!

Section 222 said… "N.Cognito — you're right. It would have been his call if the lead that Milone left with had held up, but Severino was the pitcher of record in the 9th. My bad."Mark it up to EIBC (excitement-induced brain cramp). It's a euphoric synapse inhibitor.

JaneB said… "Just when I think she can't ask a more stupid question, she does. Shheesh! We need a Debbie Taylor replacement. Who teaches people to frame conclusions as questions? Why not just ask a real question?"You do realize there's a good possibility that MASN feeds her those questions to ask, don't you?Does anybody know it that's the case with MASN/Debbie?

The 22Fresh Company had a guess for what Desmond would do tonight. I nailed it. 2 for 4 with a double and a walk. What's the odds of that!>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>22Fresh Kip Simon If some1 predicts Ian Desmond's exact night at the dish tonight, you can save $10 on his inspired OGFresh Tee tonight! http://bit.ly/omhytu5 hours ago @NatsHRballGuy @22Fresh 2 for 4 with a walk and a double4 hours ago via web

I am telling you, Davey and Ozzie in the same division, it is going to be a rip! Davey is gonna spin circles around Ozzie, he ain't gonna know what hit him, and there is gonna be some cussin'–serious cussin'.

Anon @12:04:"I think she is earnest and sincere and forthright. She is authentic."All true. She's also a terrible sideline reporter. But she's been terrible for years, so I have no doubt that MASN will keep her.

All true. She's also a terrible sideline reporter. But she's been terrible for years, so I have no doubt that MASN will keep her.MASN ptoooie! The O's get Amber Theoharris and who do the Nats get? The wife of one of their scouts Debbie Taylor. ptooooooooooie!!!!!! Gahhhak …Gives anyone a hairball.

Kool Aid! .I need Kool Aid &.the phone number for season tickets!!Kool Aid? With Rendon, Purke, Harper and even Moore nearly major league ready … with what's on the roster now? They still just need that Grienke type starter.

The morning after – tired, but, oh well… did they really pitch to Morse with 2 on and 2 out in the 9th? Really? Ozzie won't do that next year I think. On the highlights it sounds like there were a lot of nats fans in the park – more than the fish? I know our team has a lot of guys from Florida – friends and family making all that noise? Was this a Nats invasion of SunLife? Did anyone actually care? I look at 79-80 and I have to do a double take. Sweet. I don't care what Johnson says – I love third place and I do think it matters.

Oh, yeah!!! Went to bed before the game ended and woke up to a happy game results email. O.M.G. GYFNG!! (Wait, can we still say that?? Or should it perhaps be GY*NG? :-))Also, catching up on comments a bit. Sunderland, that's a nifty idea on the handy-dandy portable disclaimer organizer. I may have to patent it. But I guess I'd have to share the patent with you. hmmm… BinM, but…but…they were beating the Mets at the time…and our place in the standings was at stake…well, okay…penalty box it is. (That's from the game where toothless players push that little round thingy back and forth on a skating rink, right?) sec3, I'd been thinking [RF] myself. Like, if he'd pinch run in the 9th and then scored the winning run, it would have been a Fick-in good victory. Wait, what???

Florida baseball questions:1. Where are the Marlins finding the $$ to pay Ozzie? (Note to Sad Man, if you want to quit your job, best to have another one in hand.)2. 18K in the stands to watch the Rays duke it out with the Yanks and a PLAYOFF spot up for grabs? Nats are now twenty, can we say TWENTY, wins ahead of 2009 (59-103).Also, as was pointed out in another blog, Davey done good sending the runner so RZ didn't GIDP or Morse wouldn't have had the chance for his THIRTIETH…

What fun this team has been to watch and root for of late! I was at the game Sunday. The positive feeling, the hometown passion, the Nats play, made it a day that'll be hard to top. And congrats to the Beast for reaching 30 HRs — and with two outs in the ninth, to win it. He's hit two pitching mistakes out of the park in two days with the pressure on. Wow. And on Sunday he hit an O-2 pitch for his 29th. Very wow. And congrats to Wilson Ramos for hitting .293 post-All Star, and Ian Desmond for finishing as a legit leadoff guy, batting .286 post-All Star. Anyway, I have to worry about something re the Nats, so I'm worried about Mike Rizzo's comment that the Nats need another starting pitcher and an outfield bat. They'll have at least 7 guys competing for 5 SP slots next spring, if they sign Wang and don't sign Gorzelany. Why do they need to take the risk and spend millions on the very iffy chance that a FA can be a #2 SP?. And re an outfield bat, and they could re-sign Rick Ankiel and Johnny Gomes who reportedly want to come back. Maybe Nix and Bernadina do, too. The difference between .240 and .280 is 20 hits in 500 ABs. And Ankiel brings awesome defense. And the another guys contribute in other ways. And the Nats track record with FA signings is, er, not so much. And they've got good chemistry going on the team now, which I value highly for a winning team. So why not essentially stand pat? Make some minor additions and subtractions at the margins? Anyway, can't argue too much with much of what Rizzo and company have done to get the Nats on this very positive roll that I'm enjoying so much.

Baseball-but-not-Nats-related item: Just noticed that ESPN is airing the film Catching Hell this month. The film explores fans' need to place blame after difficult losses, with nods to the Bartman/Cubs incident and Buckner's through-the-wickets moment. According to the FIOS schedule, it airs tonight at 8; Thursday at 11 PM; Friday at 10 PM; Saturday at 12 AM, 8 PM, and 10 PM; next Tuesday at 8 PM; and next Wednesdy at 10:30 PM.

I guess I can toot my own horn since I had them winning 79 games this season. Thought they might come up one game short given the 161 game season, but they did it with room to spare. I thought the Nationals had a shot at 79 wins given what I saw during spring training, not that spring training is a good barometer of a regular season. The starting pitching was outstanding during the spring training games and has been outstanding all the regular season. The positive bump teams get when a new manager takes over mid season sometimes didn't happen for the Nationals until really September. I think Davey Johnson is a good fit for this team moving forward, especially on the young guys, Desmond, Ramos, and Espi. But his influence seems to have extended to Werth and the pitching as well, specifically HRod.Preliminarily I had the Nationals winning 87 games next season. Given what I've seen recently particularly with the pitching, I will bump that total to 90 wins in 2012. Will that get them the Wild Card? Perhaps. At worse, they'll be in a Wild Card chase.Bravo to the Nationals. And Bravo to Mark Zuckerman and all the posters here. Great season…

Richard…. in all professional sports…. standing pat equals going backwards.The Nats need to be in the mix for CJ Wilson or CC Sabathia and unless someone can get Desmond and Espinosa to make more contact (although Ian HAS improved quite a bit since late July) they definitely need a good contact, OBP guy to man one outfield spot.The fact that the system now provides quality pitchers and is on the verge of producing quality bats, doesn't mean you sit on your hands when you have the resources to do otherwise.And anybody that doesn't expect this team to have playoff aspirations and I mean REAL playoff aspirations next Spring Training camp, well …they can just go follow the Orioles.

natsfan1a said…Baseball-but-not-Nats-related item: Just noticed that ESPN is airing the film Catching Hell this month. 1a, I asked CSBCFW (Currently Strawberry Blonde Cubs Fan Wife) about seeing that at the AFI. She's still not ready. Too soon. Shirley Povich said "September lies." But October will look you right in the eye and leave with the one you came in with."lamenco" — a very sad Spanish dance.

NatsLady, here's what is also impressive is 15% improvement year over year which would put the Nats on a 90+ win pace if they sustain that improvement for 2012. That's a big jump, but certainly achievable as they have now gone from 59 to 69 to 79+ wins in consecutive years.I think the teams like the Nats and the Rays that have built predominantly from the Draft and key trades, stay younger and keep a core together longer utilizing that crucial 6 years of team control. It took the Rays 10 years to make the Post-Season and it may take the Nats a couple of years less. The good news is I believe ownership/Rizzo understand what they need to add to make this team a contender which is team balance between all facets of the game: Pitching, Offense, Defense, Bullpen, Bench, BaserunningAs Rizzo said, 1 more starting pitcher, 1 more outfielder. Given the 3 guaranteed sellouts next year from the Yankees games and increased season ticket sales, the Nats should get to at least 200,000 more tickets sold next year, hopefully more. Would that get ownership willing to dip large again into Free Agency and pursue CJ Wilson or do you wait until 2012 and spend all of your cash on a Matt Kemp in Free Agency? The Nats aren't the Yankees so we can dream but reality tells us they won't get a big Free Agent every year.

Navy Nats Fan said… I'm on travel and the only games the hotel gets are Yankees-Rays and Red Sox-Orioles. I'm not sure what this is, but it ain't baseball… As Reggie Smith, during his stint with the Yomiuri Giants, said "This isn't baseball. It just looks like it."

NatsJack I agree about CC and CW, but 31 other teams feel the same way and there will only be two 'winners', realistically 1 as CC will return to the Bronx. Would be nice to be in the mix but can't consider the offseason a bust if we don't get one of them. Personally if we get a name starter new to us I think it will be via a trade.

Steve M. said…NatsLady, here's what is also impressive is 15% improvement year over year which would put the Nats on a 90+ win pace if they sustain that improvement for 2012.And the Padres, with only a 5% improvement, would have won 95 games this year. Didn't happen. That last 15% is much harder than the first 15%. Not that they won't or can't win 90+ next year, just that it doesn't work that way. Which I know you know, but I think gets overlooked sometimes. Best to defer the poultry inventory.

SCNatsFan…. that's what I meant when I said "you don't sit on your hands when you have the resources to do otherwise."The Lerner's money is one thing, but the system loaded with arms and catchers and first basemen is another.

natsfan1a said… "Baseball-but-not-Nats-related item: Just noticed that ESPN is airing the film Catching Hell this month. The film explores fans' need to place blame after difficult losses"Don't need to watch — I am aware of the phenomena — it's on display on this board quite often.

Richard, no way do you stand pat on the pitchers the Nats have. Heck, I was talking pla…pla…playoffs for 2012 a month ago before this final run because guess what, 9th best pitching staff in the Majors and the starters are actually better than 9th best. The Nats need to shoot for top 7 next season and get the offense up to 15th in the league.Can they get CC Sabathia? Probably not. Can they get CJ Wilson, yes. All they have to do is outbid everyone again. Will they do that? I don't know. Fallback in my mind is Wandy Rodriguez only if you can get him for very little in trade and suck up his salary. Fallback from there is Mark Buehrle who is a Free Agent.I detailed the Free Agent market in outfielders and it is bad. Coco Crisp, Cuddyer and Kubel look like the Top 3 and there is the top Runs Created guy in Josh Willingham. None of those names are top defenders none of them are Iron Men who reallisticly give you 150 games a year. All of them are +WAR guys and none will come real cheap except Crisp. Crisp would make the best stopgap guy given his age he would probably take 2 years $11 mill total. Someone mentioned Reed Johnson who is almost a bench player more than a starter but we all know from the Cubs series how he killed the Nats. He put up BIG numbers this year with an BA and OBP over .300+Trading for an outfielder unless it is a long-term piece doesn't make a lot of sense when you have Kemp, Bourn and BJ Upton all available as Free Agents after next season plus the Nats expect to have Bryce Harper and Anthony Rendon ready by the start of 2013.

Sec 3, My Sofa said… Steve M…And the Padres, with only a 5% improvement, would have won 95 games this year. Didn't happen. That last 15% is much harder than the first 15%. Not that they won't or can't win 90+ next year, just that it doesn't work that way. Which I know you know, but I think gets overlooked sometimes. Best to defer the poultry inventory. September 27, 2011 10:20 AM Absolutely, if they stand firm on what they have they will only move up marginally and that won't get them there. I think I detailed how the Nats need to move up to the next level.To your point on the Padres, they traded away their best player in Adrian Gonzalez so why are you surprised? They did nothing to improve their team and clearly weakened it. The Padres run support dropped by almost a 1/2 run per game while their pitching staff gave up about .15 more a game.

Someone mentioned the JayB, that, mostly natering nabob of negativity. He (she?) and someothers have not been heard from in some time ovr at Nationals Journal.Anyway, I picked 79 wins out of ST and stuck with it through thick (koolade period of late June through Riggleman act- +3 or 4 over .500) and thin (end of Houston series- -10 under ,500). To do better next year, need to improve team RISP BA. That I think mean one more quality Bat. Another SP? Not so much.

78 was my early prognostication and I admittedly wavered on it during the high and low times.Biggest need for next year is better situational and pinch-hitting. Can't rely on one or two guys to bail you out in the 9th.My captcha was "phogy"! I hope I'm not.

I like having a September team. Take careful note of the Braves and RSawks. You can never have enough pitching and you can never be too careful with their arms. They say: You win 50, you lose 50, it's how you play for the other 62 (ok, 61) that counts. Davey is growing on me. When he figures a game is lost, he doesn't throw all his resources on recovering it. He seems to decide pretty early on, down 2 or more runs. That may be frustrating to fans who want to go all out every game, but tomorrow is another day. Will be interesting to see how it goes early in the year when we play bad teams and seemingly "unimportant games." A win in April counts the same as a win in August. So we should feast on the bad teams, not relax.

Steve M. said… Very enjoyable watching the "new look" Nats. So many positives to pull from the game.Batters worked a lot of full counts and showed good plate discipline. LaRoche was a pleasure to watch with the glove as was Werth. Great hustle all around. Pitching was superb as Livan dazzled in the '80s and Clippard, Coffey and Burnett all did their jobs.Clutch hitting with men in scoring position was lacking hence missing the opportunities, but in a well played game, 1 team will win and 1 team will lose. I saw the Dodgers/Giants game last night and it had the same feel in a 2-1 pitchers duel.This should give us all increased optimism for the next 161 games. April 1, 2011 10:52 AM I was actually looking for my estimate of wins and came across my post above. I was back and forth between 74 to 78 wins so the team certainly exceeded my expectations.I made this post after the Nats lost the opener way back on March 31st. Kind of those same observations carried through the entire year including (unfortunately) the lack of clutch hitting with RISP.- Hustle, defense, working the counts- I called it superb pitching and I think if you finish in Top 9 of all MLB teams, that is pretty darn good.Thinking of Werth, the presence in brings to the lineup where he works the counts and adds to the pitchers pitch counts really doesn't give him due credit. On most teams, when you get into the bullpen early, you usually win those games. Just wanted to make that point on the BULL MOOSE.

NatsLady, The Sawks would take ANY pitching. They have been just dreadful. When they lost Buckholtz and DiceK their other pitchers (Lackey and Bedard) really go exposed not to mention the damage their incompetence inflicted on their pen. I count 7 competent starters on our team right now without any moves who are all better than anyone on the Sox not named Becket or Lester and there are a minimum of 3 more real prospects in the pipeline.

Picking the Nationals to win 90 games next season is hopeful optimism. I'm picking them to win 90 based on nothing but hope, not knowing how other teams might improved, but with the idea that Rizzo will get another bat (whether lead off or power), and perhaps a starting pitcher. This and good health, I see 90 wins in the future, but injuries can derail many best laid plans gone to waste…